I. ˈrīət, usu -əd.+V noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English riot, riote, from Old French riot, rihot, riote, rihote quarrel, dispute, from ruihoter, rihoter, rioter to quarrel, dispute, perhaps from ruire to roar, from Latin rugire — more at bruit
1. archaic
a. : profligate or wanton behavior : debauchery , excess , extravagance
b. : unrestrained revelry or merrymaking
c. : noise, uproar, or disturbance made by revelers
2. : an assemblage of three or more persons in a public place for the purpose of accomplishing by concerted action and in a turbulent and disorderly manner a common purpose irrespective of the lawfulness of the purpose
3. : a hunting dog's following of the scent of an animal the hunter does not want
4. : a random or disorderly profusion especially of color
a rhythmic riot of color — American Guide Series: Oregon
5. : something or someone wildly amusing : a cause or occasion of mirth or hilarity
her latest hat is a riot
Synonyms: see brawl
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English rioten, from riote, riot, n.
intransitive verb
1. : to indulge in revelry or wantonness : practice license or excess
2. archaic : to take great pleasure — used with in or upon
3. : to create or engage in a disturbance or tumult ; specifically : to disturb the peace by a riot
4. of a hound : to follow the scent of an animal which it is not intended to hunt
intransitive verb
1. : to waste or spend recklessly
would hardly care to see him rioting away her whole property — Leslie Ford
2. : attack , despoil